Greater Irvine Chamber of Commerce

Recent News

Forbes has named UCI one of the best employers for diversity in the nation. The magazine rated the campus No. 7 overall – the second-highest ranking for both a California employer and an educational institute.
UCI is Orange County’s second-largest employer, with 16,400 faculty and staff working on campus and at the UCI Medical Center and affiliate clinics. Its diversity model infuses richness and nurtures strength in the workplace, focusing on respect for all human differences, including age, culture, ethnicity, race, country of origin, linguistics, gender, socioeconomic status, education, religion, sexual orientation and ability/disability.
From active diversity talent acquisition outreach to employee development emphasizing respect, communication, interpersonal skills and career growth, UCI strives to build and sustain an environment devoid of discrimination and marked by inclusion.
“UCI understands and embraces the contributions people from different backgrounds and ideologies can bring to the university,” said Ramona Agrela, UCI associate chancellor and chief human resources executive. “It’s about more than just hiring with diversity in mind. Maintaining excellence through diversity requires the development of an environment and workforce free from discrimination and harassment. It’s about ensuring that all employees feel supported, valued and a sense of belonging.”
Forbes partnered with market research company Statista for its second annual ranking of the...

“It’s going to be a good year. Things are wonderful. You’re going to have a great 2019,” said expert economist and Greater Irvine Chamber Business Outlook keynote Chris Thornberg of Beacon Economics.
In his economic forecast presented to more than 600 business and community leaders, Thornberg, who predicted the housing market crash in 2007, expressed overall optimism regarding economic growth in the year ahead. He attributed his positive outlook to rising wages, low unemployment, and increased consumer spending.
Also confident moving into the new year was opening speaker Chris Schwarz of the UCI Paul Merage School of Business, who broke down recent financial market trends, and their expected impact.
“The Fed isn’t the greatest forecaster,” said Schwarz, noting that actual financial market movements aren’t accurately reflected in government reports.
Kate Klimow, chief administrative officer and director of external relations for UCI Applied Innovation, serves as Master of Ceremonies for the event.
The Jan. 10, 2019 Business Outlook event was presented by the Greater Irvine Chamber in partnership with the UCI Paul Merage School of Business and Chamber Platinum Sponsor, OCTANe.
More on Thornberg’s presentation from Pasadena Star-News can be found here.
View event photos here.
View Chris Thorberg’s presentation here.
View Chris Schwarz’s presentation here.

Over the past four decades, the Greater Irvine Chamber Board of Directors has been chaired by 38 of Orange County’s most accomplished business leaders. They have held fiduciary responsibilities for the Chamber and have been committed to supporting the Chamber’s mission of advancing the economic vitality of greater Irvine. As the Chamber celebrates its 40th Anniversary in 2019, the Board is now led by Kate Klimow, chief administrative officer and director of External Relations at UCI Applied Innovation.
“The diverse group of business leaders that have served over the past 40 years and continue to serve today on the Greater Irvine Chamber’s Board of Directors, fully support the Chamber’s executive team and professional staff as they advance the mission of the Chamber,” said Klimow, who has been part of the Board since 2014. “It’s an honor to be among such an esteemed group of Board chairs and Board members that have contributed so much of their time and talent over the years.”
Greater Irvine Chamber Board Chairs, 1979 – 2019:
Ron Grossman 1979
Bill Hurst 1979 – 1981
Larry Hoffman 1981 – 1982
Harry Bozigian 1982 – 1983
Vance Simonds Jr. 1983 – 1984
John Nakaoka 1984 – 1985
Tom Jones 1985 – 1986
Brien Manning 1986 – 1987
Bruce J....

The City of Irvine has been awarded the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA). The award represents the highest form of recognition in government budgeting for a municipal entity.
“The City of Irvine being recognized with the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award, is a testament of the deliberate strategy set forth by the Irvine Master Plan more than half a century ago and the diligence of the Irvine city management team,” said Bryan Starr, president and CEO, Greater Irvine Chamber. “The Chamber’s Board of Directors and professional staff congratulates the Irvine city management team for their fiscal prudence.”
The award is a significant achievement by the city. It reflects the commitment of the governing body and staff, to meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting. In order to receive the budget award, the city had to satisfy nationally recognized guidelines for effective budget presentation. These guidelines are designed to assess how well an entity’s budget serves as: a policy document, a financial plan, an operations guide, and a communications device. Budget documents must be rated “proficient” in all four categories, and the 14 mandatory criteria within those categories, to receive the award.
It...